Stent system

Abstract

A stent system is provided for percutaneous insertion in an artery of a main stent which includes at least one peripheral aperture defined through the stent wall. The stent system also includes a peripheral stent configured to be inserted into the peripheral aperture of the main stent. The peripheral stent extends, when inserted in the peripheral aperture, generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main stent. The stent system may further include a guidewire, insertable through the peripheral aperture, for maneuvering the main stent into place in the artery. The guidewire may be tapered toward its distal end. The stent system may also include a dilation device for dilating the peripheral stent within the peripheral aperture. The stent system may further include a tube inserted through the peripheral aperture of the main stent.

1. A stent system for installation in a human bodily fluid vessel, the stent system comprising:
 a main stent including a generally cylindrical wall defining a central longitudinal axis, and having a first main opening and an opposite second main opening, the stent including at least one peripheral aperture defined through the wall;  
 a tube removably installed in, and extending through the peripheral aperture, the tube preventing closure of the peripheral aperture, the tube including a channel extending therethrough, the channel configured to receive a guidewire, the tube fixed in place for movement of the main stent relative to the guidewire and configured to be removed from the main stent as part of the installation of the stent system in the human bodily vessel; and  
 a peripheral stent configured to be inserted into the peripheral aperture of the main stent after removal of the tube, the peripheral stent extending, when inserted in the peripheral aperture, generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main stent.  
 
   
   
     2. The stent system of  claim 1  wherein the main stent includes a second peripheral aperture defined through the wall, and further comprising a second peripheral stent configured to be inserted in the second peripheral aperture. 
   
   
     3. The stent system of  claim 2  wherein the second peripheral stent, when inserted in the second peripheral aperture, extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main stent. 
   
   
     4. The stent system of  claim 1  wherein the tube is formed substantially of a slick material selected to allow the main stent to slide along the guidewire. 
   
   
     5. The stent system of  claim 1  wherein the main stent includes a second peripheral aperture defined through the wall, and further comprising a second peripheral stent configured to be inserted in the second peripheral aperture, and also comprising a second tube inserted through the second peripheral aperture, the second tube including a channel extending therethrough, the channel configured to receive a second guidewire, the second tube configured to be removed from the main stent as part of the installation in the human bodily vessel. 
   
   
     6. The stent system of  claim 1  wherein the main stent includes a removable restraint disposed around the wall of the main stent. 
   
   
     7. The stent system of  claim 6  wherein the removable restraint includes a space adjacent the peripheral aperture and the tube extends through the space. 
   
   
     8. The stent system of  claim 7  wherein the removable restraint is configured to breakaway adjacent the tube as the restraint is removed from the main stent.